Drifting Like a Bird

There's a real delicacy and charm in Annbjørg Lien's Drifting Like a Bird, a studio version of the commissioned work she wrote for the 2012 North Sea Festival in Farsund. The striking coastline of this south-west tip of Norway inspired stories of life at sea and on land, and of those who go to sea and never return, with a backdrop of nature majestic, rugged and powerful, mixing poignancy and fun.

Lien is regarded as one of the finest Hardanger fiddle players around and, over the years, has worked with some truly adventurous collaborators. This project includes her long-term musical partners, the Swedish guitarist Roger Tallroth and multi-instrumentalist Bjørn Ole Rasch, alongside Norwegian drummer Rune Arnesen, whose hallmark driving sound thrills on the insistent ‘Shetland Bus’. Anders Løfberg on bass steers the crew with strength and sensitivity, and the vocals and additional sounds from Cathy Jordan and performance artist Tori Wrånes bring warmth, colour and invention.

Annbjørg Lien wrote almost all the lyrics and music on this disc herself, and has crafted a convincing album, holding true to the original project while providing another recording in her rich legacy, marking her out as one of the most versatile of musicians with passion and sensitivity for music with roots in tradition.